Ahmedabad made history on January 25 and 26, 2025, when Coldplay performed for a record-breaking crowd of 2.5 lakh people at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
This event, which sold 1.3 lakh tickets, was India’s largest-ever concert and marked a significant milestone for the live concert industry. People from across the country and beyond traveled to witness this spectacular show, contributing to a surge in tourism and local economy.
The event was a result of impeccable coordination between the Gujarat government, local authorities, and concert organizers.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government provided crucial support to ensure a smooth and successful event. They ensured top-tier security, seamless traffic management, and efficient transportation for attendees. Local authorities, including the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and police, played an integral role in maintaining the event’s logistics and safety.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the importance of the concert, saying, "You must have seen fabulous pictures of the Coldplay concert organised in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. It shows that India has a massive scope for live concerts. Big artists from around the world are attracted towards India... I expect the state and the private sector to focus on needed infrastructure and skills."
This event adds to Gujarat’s growing reputation as a prime hub for international events, which already includes successful hosting of the G-20 Summit and the Cricket World Cup in 2023.
CM Bhupendra Patel stated, "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Gujarat has successfully hosted major international events such as the G-20 Summit and the Cricket World Cup in 2023. With world-class infrastructure in place, the state continues to attract global events. The success of Coldplay's concert only reinforces Gujarat's standing as a top destination for international gatherings."
In addition to the concert’s success, Ahmedabad’s metro saw an incredible spike in ridership. Over two days, the metro recorded 4,05,264 passengers, surpassing numbers from other major sporting events. The concert generated Rs 66 lakh in metro revenue, exceeding figures from the 2023 Cricket World Cup and IPL events.
The concert’s security and logistical efforts were noteworthy, with more than 1,800 police personnel deployed to ensure a safe experience.
To maintain security, the venue was monitored using advanced CCTV systems, and two dedicated control rooms were established.
Waste management was also handled efficiently, with over 1,500 tons of waste cleared within 48 hours, thanks to 492 sanitation workers, 14 JCB machines, and 27 trucks.
The Coldplay concert also provided a significant economic boost to the local economy, with over 900 flights arriving at Ahmedabad International Airport in just three days. Visitors from across the country and the world not only attended the concert but also explored the city's cultural landmarks.
This influx of visitors benefitted local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and street vendors.
Coldplay’s India leg of the Music of the Spheres tour started on January 16, 2025. Their final show at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Republic Day was a spectacular conclusion.
Chris Martin paid a heartfelt tribute to India during the performance, singing songs like "Vande Mataram" and "Maa Tujhhe Salaam," which deeply resonated with the crowd.
He ended with a salute to India, offering his Republic Day wishes.
In a fun moment during the concert, Martin also dedicated a song to Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah, joking about Bumrah’s outstanding performance against England.
The concert was streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar, allowing millions of fans to witness the event. Chris Martin concluded the concert by thanking the lively crowd and expressing his admiration for India.
